“He entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption.” Hebrews 9:12
Jesus endured unthinkable horrors as he bore the dreadful curse. Yet the Son of God pressed through the shame for the sake of those whom God had given him. After his further identifying with sinners in being buried, he continued under the power of death for a time. But on the morning of that first Lord’s Day, your Jesus revived by the bolt of divine power, burst out of the tomb, appeared to a multitude of witnesses, preached the Kingdom of God for several weeks, and then returned to his native heaven. The author of Hebrews tells us that this Jesus “entered once for all into the holy places,” indicating Christ’s priestly office of going into the very presence of God. Unlike the Old Testament priests, Jesus has entered “not by means of the blood of goats and calves.” No, it is “by means of his own blood” that the Lamb of God has entered the holy place. And what credentials can he provide? Can your Savior not lift his scarred hands, pleading for particular sinners, suing for their peace with the Father? Can Jesus, the only Mediator between God and Man, can he not apply for and secure your pardon from the Father? Does he not have the right to point to a perfect salvation for transgressors, completed by a seamless robe of obedience? Oh, he has secured an eternal redemption! Now, appearing in the presence of God for us, what does he do? Would he not pray that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life? (John 3:16) Would he not pray that those whom God had given him would be “with me where I am; that they may behold my glory”? (John 17:24) Would he pray that no charge be laid against God’s elect? (Romans 8:33) Would he not stand as our advocate with the Father when we sin? (1 John 2:1) Would he secure our peace of conscience, our access with boldness to the throne of grace, and power in our own intercessions? (Romans 5:1, Hebrews 4:16, Ephesians 1:6) To think that Jesus prays for your spiritual sacrifices, that they might be “acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 2:5) Take heart, Christian: You can work out your salvation with fear and trembling, become serious about personal piety and holiness, certain that Jesus purifies and accepts your efforts. You have a trustworthy Savior. You can lean on him. Meditate on his entrance into the holy places, having secured an eternal redemption, now interceding for those whom the Father has given him. Gaze on the beauty of the Lord Jesus Christ, and then strive for holiness, without which no-one shall see the Lord. (Hebrews 12:14)